MARY LOU WILLIAMS — Black Christ of the Andes (1964-2004) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Complex and brooding suites by jazz artists have often received mixed reviews. Whether hailed as brilliant and visionary or slammed as self-indulgent and trite -- Ellington's Black, Brown and Beige, Charles Mingus' infamous Town Hall Concert, or even Wynton Marsalis' Blood on the Fields all come to mind -- these works are, if nothing else, great risks for the artists involved. At the time of its initial performance, "Black Christ of the Andes" (or "St. Martin de Porres") was called everything from "blues stripped of its accent" to a "hokey prayer," prompting Williams to cut it from her repertoire before the release of the LP in 1964. An unfortunate fate for a very enjoyable and, now, highly regarded piece of music. Williams explained her pioneering concept of pairing jazz with spirituals as an attempt to heal the disparity between the gifted nature of the African-American and his tendency toward the worst kinds of sin. In fact, the original title for this LP was Music for Disturbed Souls. Certainly, by 1962 others had employed the modes and feel of the church into jazz, but Williams' use of the Ray Charles Singers (no relation to the other Ray Charles) added an element that made "St. Martin," an a cappella choral piece, a much more church-oriented affair than, say, John Coltrane's "Spiritual." Williams' vision, like Coltrane's, was at times dark and sobering while at others full of warmth and hope. It would have been completely out of place, however, at the Village Vanguard. This is a piece that belongs, if not in the church, then certainly out of the nightclub circuit. Other tracks on this LP, though, like her sublime rendition of "It Ain't Necessarily So," would have been welcome in their dark and smoky confines. Otherwise, expect a jump blues number, a handful of trio cuts (some featuring Percy Heath), and a smattering of various vocal combinations throughout. A number of styles are represented here and they weave amongst one another with ease and grace. This is a very enjoyable record with some especially rewarding piano solos by Williams. Brandon Burke
Tracklist :
1    St. Martin De Porres 6:32
Lyrics By – Rev. A. S. Woods, S.J.
Music By – M. L. Williams
2    It Ain't Necessarily So 4:41
Written-By – George And Ira Gershwin
3    The Devil 4:00
Lyrics By – Ada Moore
Music By – M. L. Williams
4    Miss D.D. 2:28
Written-By – M. L. Williams
5    Anima Christi 2:48
Written-By – M. L. Williams
6    A Grand Night For Swinging 3:06
Written-By – Billy Taylor
7    My Blue Heaven 3:21
Written-By – George Whiting, Walter Donaldson
8    Dirge Blues 2:57
Written-By – M. L. Williams
9    A Fungus A Mungus 3:21
Written-By – M. L. Williams
10    Koolbonga 3:21
Written-By – M. L. Williams
11    Forty-Five Degree Angle 2:50
Written-By – Denzil Best
12     Nicole 3:37
Written-By – M. L. Williams
13    Chunka Lunka 3:07
Written-By – M. L. Williams
14    Praise The Lord 5:55
Written-By – M. L. Williams
Credits :
Bass – Larry Gales (tracks: 5, 14), Percy Heath (tracks: 6 to 8, 10 to 13), Theodore Cromwell (tracks: 2, 4)
Bass Clarinet – Budd Johnson (tracks: 5)
Choir – The George Gordon Singers (tracks: 5, 14), The Ray Charles Singers (tracks: 1, 3)
Conductor – Howard Roberts (tracks: 1, 3)
Drums – George Chamble (tracks: 2, 4), Percy Brice (tracks: 5, 14), Tim Kennedy (tracks: 6 to 8, 10 to 13)
Guitar – Grant Green (tracks: 5, 14)
Piano – Mary Lou Williams
Tenor Saxophone – Budd Johnson (tracks: 14)
Vocals [Solo] – Jimmy Mitchell (tracks: 5, 14)

DIZZY GILLESPIE — At Newport (1957-1992) RM | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

This CD features Dizzy Gillespie's second great big band at the peak of its powers. On the rapid "Dizzy's Blues" and a truly blazing "Cool Breeze," the orchestra really roars; the latter performance features extraordinary solos by Gillespie, trombonist Al Grey, and tenor saxophonist Billy Mitchell. In addition to fine renditions of "Manteca" and Benny Golson's then-recent composition "I Remember Clifford," the humorous "Doodlin'" is given a definitive treatment, there is a fresh version of "A Night in Tunisia," and pianist Mary Lou Williams sits in for a lengthy medley of selections from her "Zodiac Suite." This brilliant CD captures one of the high points of Dizzy Gillespie's remarkable career and is highly recommended. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Dizzy's Blues    11:51
2    School Days 5:47
Vocals – Dizzy Gillespie
3    Doodlin'    7:52
4    Manteca Theme    7:11
5    I Remember Clifford    4:47
6    Cool Breeze    10:30
7    Selections From Zodiac Suite (Virgo/Libra/Aries)    10:28
8    Carioca    3:42
9    A Night In Tunisia    10:00
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Ernie Henry, Jimmy Powell
Baritone Saxophone – Pee Wee Moore
Bass – Paul West
Drums – Charlie Persip
Piano – Mary Lou Williams (tracks: 7, 8), Wynton Kelly (tracks: 1 to 6, 9)
Tenor Saxophone – Benny Golson, Billy Mitchell
Trombone – Al Grey, Chuck Connors, Melba Liston

MILDRED BAILEY – 1939 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1187 (2001) FLAC (tracks), lossless

This is volume five in the Classics Mildred Bailey chronology. It contains all of the Vocalion records she made between January 18 and June 14, 1939. For all of her concessions to mainstream pop culture, Mildred Bailey was a blues-inflected jazz singer with traditional roots reaching back into the early '20s. Each of the ensembles featured on this particular compilation are decidedly hipper than most of her previous backup bands. Bailey's March 16, 1939 session with pianist Mary Lou Williams, guitarist Floyd Smith, bassist John Williams and drummer Eddie Dougherty resulted in a series of fine and soulful renderings of old time melodies like the "Arkansas Blues," "Gulf Coast Blues," "You Don't Know My Mind Blues" and Russ Columbo's "Prisoner of Love." Sixteen of this compilation's 22 tracks feature the John Kirby Sextet. This brilliant and creatively concise group had a frontline of trumpeter Charlie Shavers, clarinetist Buster Bailey and alto saxophonist Russell Procope; its well-oiled rhythm section contained pianist Billy Kyle, bassist John Kirby and drummer O'Neill Spencer. This little band was capable of handling material from the jazz, pop and European classical traditions; the Bailey/Kirby magic is most evident on Cole Porter's "Begin the Beguine," Ziggy Elman's "And the Angels Sing," Lovie Austin and Alberta Hunter's "Down Hearted Blues" and the "Tit Willow" aria from Gilbert & Sullivan's Mikado. On most of the Kirby sides, xylophonist Red Norvo can be heard obviously enjoying the opportunity to collaborate with exceptionally gifted improvisers. Premonitions of things to come! Norvo dissolved his big band in June 1939, not long after the recording of "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles," and began working with smaller, more modern-sounding ensembles. While Red Norvo would become an integral participant in the bop revolution of the '40s and '50s, Mildred Bailey's career gradually decelerated during the '40s, particularly after her health began to deteriorate. The records she cut during the first half of 1939 add up to some of the best music she ever made. For that reason, this particular installment in Mildred Bailey's Classics chronology is most highly recommended. arwulf arwulf  
Tracklist + Credits :

BENNY GOODMAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1937-1938 | The Classics Chronological Series – 899 (1996) FLAC (tracks), lossless

During the period covered by this CD, Benny Goodman & His Orchestra reached the height of their success with their historic January 12, 1938, Carnegie Hall concert. Shortly after, Gene Krupa had a personality conflict with Goodman and left the band, being replaced initially by Dave Tough. But Goodman still had such stars as Harry James, Ziggy Elman, Jess Stacy, Martha Tilton, Lionel Hampton, and Teddy Wilson plus himself, so his commercial success continued throughout 1938 despite competition from many other bands. This CD has the final numbers with Krupa (including "Life Goes to a Party," a hot quartet version of "I'm a Ding Dong Daddy From Dumas," "Don't Be That Way," and "One O'Clock Jump") and some worthy post-Krupa performances, including "The Blue Room" and "Make Believe," showing that Benny Goodman was still the king of swing. Scott Yanow
Tracklist : 

BENNY GOODMAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1947-1948 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1418 (2006) FLAC (tracks), lossless

The magnitude of Benny Goodman's recorded legacy becomes apparent when one reflects upon the fact that this is Volume 32 in the Classics reissue label's comprehensive chronology of his complete works. Aware that the second AFM recording ban would soon paralyze commercial studio activity in the U.S., Goodman waxed quite a number of sides during December 1947 with his sextet, septet and orchestra. Three individuals who really shone during this period were vibraphonist Red Norvo, vocalist Peggy Lee, who had swiftly matured into a sultry, expressive interpreter of romantic songs, and trumpeter Jake "Vernon" Porter who added an extra dimension to Goodman's ensembles by growling through a mute like Herman Autrey or Cootie Williams. The sextet sessions of December 9 and 11 resulted in several superb instrumentals including the old Dixieland standard "That's a Plenty," Rodgers & Hart's "You Took Advantage of Me" and Fats Waller's "Henderson Stomp," here arranged by Fletcher Henderson himself. Henderson's big-band arrangement of Kid Ory's "Muskrat Ramble" yielded spectacular results; how frustrating it must have been for Goodman to know that within days he would be officially prevented from continuing this wonderful spell of creative production. Capitol chose not to issue "The Record Ban Blues," part of a subgenre of protest songs devised and recorded by artists who were disgruntled with the policies of AFM president James C. Petrillo. Goodman wasn't able to record in a studio under his own name again until August 20, 1948, when he cut a series of government-sponsored V-Discs with a stunningly cool and modern ensemble that included tenor saxophonist Wardell Gray and pianist, arranger and composer Mary Lou Williams. Four out of six sides were rejected; only "Benny's Bop" and "There's a Small Hotel" were deemed suitable for circulation among armed forces personnel. Anybody who loves Wardell Gray should be sure and latch on to the beautiful recordings that he made during the summer of 1948 with the Benny Goodman Sextet. arwulf arwulf

Tracklist :

ANDY KIRK AND HIS TWELVE CLOUDS OF JOY – 1929-1931 | The Classics Chronological Series – 655 (1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This highly recommended CD from the European Classics label has all of the early recordings of Andy Kirk's Twelve Clouds of Joy, although unfortunately not the alternate takes. The most famous soloists were pianist Mary Lou Williams (who was also responsible for most of the arrangements), violinist Claude Williams (who unfortunately left Kirk before he had his big success in the mid-'30s), and trumpeter Edgar "Puddinghead" Battle, although the lesser-known players mostly fare pretty well too. The selections are primarily hot vintage Kansas City jazz, including such tunes as "Blue Clarinet Stomp," "Cloudy," "Lotta Sax Appeal," "Mary's Idea," and "Once or Twice." This CD concludes with three numbers from 1931 when Kirk's Orchestra was briefly being used to back singer Blanche Calloway (Cab's older sister). Unfortunately, Kirk's ensemble would not record again for another five years, but these early titles -- which give listeners clues as to the big band's evolution -- stand alone as fine 1920s jazz. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Andy Kirk And His Twelve Clouds Of Joy–    Mess-A-Stomp 2:41
Written-By – Williams
2    Andy Kirk And His Twelve Clouds Of Joy–    Blue Clarinet Stomp 2:48
Written-By – Kirk
3    Andy Kirk And His Twelve Clouds Of Joy–    Cloudy 2:57
Written-By – Kirk
4    Andy Kirk And His Twelve Clouds Of Joy–    Casey Jones Special 2:54
Written-By – Kirk
5    John Williams And His Memphis Stompers–    Somepin' Slow And Low 3:09
Written By – Unknown
Written-By [Uncredited] – John Williams
6    John Williams And His Memphis Stompers–    Lotta Sax Appeal 2:30
Written-By – Williams
7    Andy Kirk And His Twelve Clouds Of Joy–    Corky Stomp 2:40
Written-By – Kirk, Williams
8    Andy Kirk And His Twelve Clouds Of Joy–    Froggy Bottom 3:10
Written-By – Williams
9    Andy Kirk And His Twelve Clouds Of Joy–    I Lost My Gal From Memphis 3:16
Written-By – Tobias, De Rose
10    Andy Kirk And His Twelve Clouds Of Joy–    Loose Ankles 3:21
Written-By – Kirk, Williams
11    Andy Kirk And His Twelve Clouds Of Joy–    Snag It 3:07
Written-By – Oliver
12    Andy Kirk And His Twelve Clouds Of Joy–    Sweet And Hot 3:07
Written-By – Freeman
13    Andy Kirk And His Twelve Clouds Of Joy–    Mary's Idea 3:07
Written-By – Williams
14    Andy Kirk And His Twelve Clouds Of Joy–    Once Or Twice 3:00
Written-By – Cobb
15    Seven Little Clouds Of Joy–    Getting' Off A Mess 2:47
Written-By – Williams
16    Andy Kirk And His Twelve Clouds Of Joy–    Dallas Blues 2:40
Written-By – Wand, Carett
17    Andy Kirk And His Twelve Clouds Of Joy–    Travellin' That Rocky Road 3:04
Written-By – Lovett / Smith
18    Andy Kirk And His Twelve Clouds Of Joy–    Honey, Just For You 3:13
Written-By – Freeman
19    Andy Kirk And His Twelve Clouds Of Joy–    You Rascal You 2:41
Written-By – Theard
20    Andy Kirk And His Twelve Clouds Of Joy–    Saturday 3:18
Vocals – Dick Robertson
Written-By – Brooks, Mitchell
21    Andy Kirk And His Twelve Clouds Of Joy–    Sophomore 2:59
Vocals – Dick Robertson
Written-By – Hill, Causer
22    Blanche Calloway And Her Joy Boys–    Casey Jones Blues 3:02
Traditional
23    Blanche Calloway And Her Joy Boys–    There's Rhythm In The River 3:01
Vocals – Blanche Calloway
Written-By – Webster
24    Blanche Calloway And Her Joy Boys–    I Need Lovin' 2:49
Vocals – Blanche Calloway
Written By – Glamor
Written-By – Johnson
Written-By [Uncredited] – Henry Creamer
25    Mary Lou WIlliams–    Margie 2:27
Soloist, Piano – Mary Lou WIlliams
Written-By – Davis, Conrad, Robinson
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone – John Williams (tracks: 1 to 14, 16 to 24)
Arranged By – Mary Lou Williams (tracks: 1 to 21)
Banjo – William Dirvin (tracks: 1 to 14, 16 to 21), Bill Dirvin (tracks: 22 to 24)
Bass Saxophone – Andy Kirk (tracks: 1 to 14)
Brass Bass – Andy Kirk (tracks: 1 to 14, 16 to 24)
Clarinet – John Williams (tracks: 2), Lawrence "Slim" Freeman (tracks: 2)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – John Harrington (tracks: 1 to 24)
Directed By – Andy Kirk (tracks: 1 to 14)
Drums – Ben Thigpen (tracks: 22 to 24), Edward McNeil (tracks: 1 to 21)
Guitar – William Dirvin (tracks: 1 to 14, 16 to 21)
Piano – Mary Lou Williams (tracks: 1, 3 to 24)
Tenor Saxophone – Lawrence "Slim" Freeman (tracks: 1, 3 to 14, 16 to 21), Lawrence Freeman (tracks: 22 to 24)
Trombone – Allen Durham (tracks: 1, 3 to 21), Floyd Brady (tracks: 22 to 24)
Trumpet – Edgar Battle (tracks: 9 to 14, 16 to 24), Gene Prince (tracks: 1, 3 to 8), Harry Lawson (tracks: 1, 3 to 24)
Trumpet, Vocals – Clarence Smith (tracks: 22 to 24)
Violin – Claude Williams (tracks: 1 to 14, 16 to 24)
Vocals – Billy Massey (tracks: 9, 14, 16, 18, 19, 22), Lawson (tracks: 2)

ANDY KIRK AND HIS TWELVE CLOUDS OF JOY – 1936-1937 | The Classics Chronological Series – 573 (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The Andy Kirk Orchestra ended their five-year hiatus from records in March 1936 in a big way, recording ten titles in their first session alone. Mary Lou Williams' arrangements and several strong soloists (including pianist Williams and tenor saxophonist Dick Wilson) gave the band its own musical personality, and their hit recording of "Until the Real Thing Comes Along" (included on this release) made the group a commercial success for a time. Vocalist Pha Terrell's high voice was always an acquired taste, and many of his vocals (other than the hit and "All the Jive Is Gone") are often difficult to sit through. However, most of the songs on this excellent CD are pretty heated, with highlights including "Walkin' and Swingin'," "Lotta Sax Appeal," "Froggy Bottom," "Christopher Columbus" and "The Lady Who Swings the Band." Listeners who are not completists (and the Classics CD series does skip over alternates anyway) may want to acquire GRP/Decca's single CD Mary's Idea instead. Scott Yanow  
Tracklist :
1    Walkin' And Swingin' 2:55
Arranged By – Mary Lou Williams
Written-By – Williams
2    Moten Swing 3:06
Written-By – Moten, Moten
3    Lotta Sax Appeal 2:54
Written-By – Williams
4    Git 2:51
Written-By – Williams
5    All The Jive Is Gone 2:36
Written-By – Thompson
6    Froggy Bottom 3:12
Written-By – Williams
7    Bearcat Shuffle 3:00
Written-By – Williams
8    Steppin' Pretty 2:48
Written-By – Williams
9    Christopher Columbus 2:42
Written-By – Razaf, Barry
10    Corky 2:25
Arranged By – Mary Lou WIlliams
Written-By – Williams
11    I'se A Muggin' 2:45
Written-By – Smith
12    Until The Real Thing Comes Along 2:55
Written-By – Nichols, Freeman, Holiner, Cahn, Chaplin
13    Puddin' Head Serenade 2:47
Written-By – Hart
14    Until The Real Thing Comes Along 3:01
Written-By – Nichols, Freeman, Holiner, Cahn, Chaplin
15    Blue Illusion 2:44
Written By – Unknown
Written-By [Uncredited] – Emma La Freniere, Thomas J. Gindhart
16    Cloudy 2:54
Written-By – Williams
17    Give Her A Pint (And She'll Tell It All) 2:52
Written-By – Cahn, Chaplin
18    Puddin' Head Serenade 2:35
Written-By – Hart
19    Fifty-Second Street 3:01
Written-By – Cahn, Chaplin
20    The Lady Who Swings The Band 2:45
Written-By – Cahn, Chaplin
21    What Will I Tell My Heart? 3:14
Written-By – Lawrence, Tinturin
22    Dedicated To You 3:21
Written-By – Cahn, Chaplin
23    Wednesday Night Hop 3:06
Arranged By – Les Johnakins
Written-By – Kirk, Johnakins
24    Skies Are Blue 3:02
Written-By – Cahn, Chaplin
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Earl Miller (tracks: 23, 24)
Alto Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone – John Williams (14)
Arranged By – Earl Thompson (tracks: 2 to 9, 11 to 22)
Bass – Booker Collins
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone – John Harrington
Directed By, Bass Saxophone – Andy Kirk
Drums – Ben Thigpen
Guitar – Ted Robinson
Piano – Mary Lou Williams
Tenor Saxophone – Dick Wilson
Trombone – Henry Wells, Ted Donnelly
Trumpet – Earl Thompson, Harry Lawson, Paul King
Violin – Claude Williams
Vocals – Ben Thigpen (tracks: 4, 6, 11, 12), Harry Mills (tracks: 19, 20), Pha Terrell (tracks: 5, 14 to 17, 21, 22, 24)

ANDY KIRK AND HIS TWELVE CLOUDS OF JOY – 1937-1938 | The Classics Chronological Series – 581 (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The third Andy Kirk CD put out by the Classics label (reissuing all of Kirk's swing-era recordings) is primarily for completists, for the then-popular but rather dated singer Pha Terrell is on the majority of the songs. There are some good moments from pianist Mary Lou Williams and tenor saxophonist Dick Wilson (particularly on the instrumentals), with the most memorable numbers being "A Mellow Bit of Rhythm," "Twinklin'," and "The Big Dipper," but Terrell is often difficult to sit through. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Downstream 2:59
Rick Davies / Andy Kirk / Jack Lawrence / Guido Nisenson
2     In the Groove 3:04
Mary Lou Williams / D. Wilson
3     Worried over You 3:09
Ed Nelson, Jr. / Billy Rose
4     Foolin' Myself 3:01
Jack Lawrence / Peter Tinturin
5     I'm Glad for Your Sake (But I'm Sorry for Mine) 2:58
Jack Lawrence / Peter Tinturin
6     I'll Get Along Somehow 2:48
Buddy Fields / Gerald Marks
7     A Mellow Bit of Rhythm 3:19
Herman Walder / Mary Lou Williams
8     In My Wildest Dreams 2:52
Sammy Cahn / Saul Chaplin
9     Better Luck Next Time 2:46
Jack Lawrence / Peter Tinturin
10     With Love in My Heart 2:39
John Klenner
11     What's Mine Is Yours 3:15
Jack Lawrence / Peter Tinturin
12     Why Can't We Do It Again? 3:08
Henry Wells
13     The Key to My Heart 3:07
 Niesen / Milton / Kanner
14     I Went to a Gypsy 2:49
Jack Lawrence / Mary Lou Williams
15     Lover, Come Back to Me 3:12
Oscar Hammerstein II / Sigmund Romberg
16     Poor Butterfly 2:50
John Golden / Raymond Hubbell
17     The Big Dipper 2:54
Larry Clinton / Frances Day Colgems
18     Bear Down 2:59
Dowell / Fox
19     I Surrender, Dear 3:06
Harry Barris / Gordon Clifford
20     Twinklin' 3:11
Mary Lou Williams
21     It Must Be True (You Are Mine, All Mine) 3:08
Harry Barris / Gordon Clifford
22     I'll Get By (As Long as I Have You) 3:05
Fred E. Ahlert / Roy Turk
23     Little Joe from Chicago  2:49
Henry Wells / Mary Lou Williams
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Earl Miller, John Harrington, John Williams
Arranged By – Earl Thompson (tracks: 1 to 6, 8 to 14)
Baritone Saxophone – John Harrington, John Williams
Bass Saxophone – Andy Kirk (tracks: 1 to 14)
Clarinet – John Harrington
Directed By – Andy Kirk
Double Bass – Booker Collins
Drums – Ben Thigpen
Guitar – Ted Robinson
Piano – Mary Lou Williams
Tenor Saxophone – Dick Wilson
Trombone – Henry Wells, Ted Donnelly
Trumpet – Clarence Trice (tracks: 15 to 23), Earl Thompson, Harry Lawson, Paul King (4) (tracks: 1 to 14)
Violin – Claude Williams
Vocals – Pha Terrell (tracks: 1, 3 to 6, 8 to 16, 19, 21)

ANDY KIRK AND HIS TWELVE CLOUDS OF JOY – 1938 | The Classics Chronological Series – 598 (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Andy Kirk's Orchestra was at the height of its popularity during the late 1930s, still riding high from their hit "Until the Real Thing Comes Along." The star of that record, singer Pha Terrell, is on the majority of the songs on this CD (the fourth in Classics' complete reissuance of the master takes of all Andy Kirk recordings from the swing era), but there are some hotter tunes too, most notably "Mess-A-Stomp," "Jump Jack Jump," "Dunkin' a Doughnut" and "Mary's Idea." However, Terrell's dominance of many titles may make many swing fans opt for the GRP/Decca single-disc Andy Kirk sampler instead. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Bless You My Dear 3:06
Jack Lawrence
2     How Can We Be Wrong? 3:15
Howard Dietz / Arthur Schwartz
3     Mess-A-Stomp 3:04
Mary Lou Williams
4     Toadie Toddle 2:37
Barry Pease / Mary Lou Williams    
5     I Won't Tell a Soul (I Love You) 3:09
Hughie Charles / Ross Parker    
6     What Would People Say 2:50
Jack Lawrence
7     How Much Do You Mean to Me? 2:59
Levant / Adams    
8     Jump Jack Jump 2:53
C.L. Roberts
9     Breeze (Blow My Baby Back to Me) 2:52
Joe Goodwin / Joe Hanley / Ballard MacDonald
10     Ghost of Love 3:12
Jack Lawrence
11     What a Life! (Trying to Live Without You) 3:09
Louis Alter
12     Sittin' Around and Dreamin' 3:03
Andy Kirk
13     What's Your Story, Morning Glory? 3:08
Jack Lawrence / Paul Francis Webster
14     Honey 2:47
Ted Fio Rito
15     September in the Rain 2:41
Al Dubin / Harry Warren
16     Clouds 2:47
Walter Donaldson / Gus Kahn
17     Julius Caesar 3:09
Shorty Rogers
18     Dunkin' a Doughnut 2:53
Mary Lou Williams
19     Goodbye 3:03
Gordon Jenkins
20     Mary's Idea 2:57
Mary Lou Williams
21     But It Didn't Mean a Thing 2:56
Mack David
22     (I Don't Believe It But) Say It Again 2:32
Richman / Silver
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Earl Miller
Alto Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone – John Williams
Bass – Booker Collins
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone – John Harrington
Directed By – Andy Kirk
Drums – Ben Thigpen
Guitar – Ted Robinson
Piano – Mary Lou Williams
Tenor Saxophone – Dick Wilson
Trombone – Henry Wells, Ted Donnelly
Trumpet – Clarence Trice, Earl Thompson, Harry Lawson
Vocals – Pha Terrell (tracks: 1, 2, 5 to 7, 9 to 16, 19, 21, 22) 

ANDY KIRK AND HIS TWELVE CLOUDS OF JOY – 1939-1940 | The Classics Chronological Series – 640 (1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Andy Kirk's Twelve Clouds of Joy was a top-notch Kansas City swing band that, by 1939, featured the pop vocals of Pha Terrell, the more blues-oriented singing of June Richmond, creative arrangements by Mary Lou Williams, and some excellent soloing from pianist Williams and Dick Wilson on tenor. Most memorable in this entry in Classics' "complete" Andy Kirk CD series are "Floyd's Guitar Blues" (an odd but pioneering electric guitar feature for Floyd Smith), "Wham" and "Scratching In the Gravel." Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     You Set Me on Fire 2:57
Colwell / MacKinnon
2     (I Guess) I'll Never Learn 3:12
Gordon / Kaufmann
3     Close to Five 2:55
Mary Lou Williams
4     Floyd's Guitar Blues 3:09
Floyd Smith
5     (I Wanna Go Where You Go, Do What You Do) Then I'll Be Happy 2:31
Lew Brown / Sidney Clare / Cliff Friend
6     S'posin' 2:26
Paul Denniker / Andy Razaf
7     I'll Never Fail You 2:55
Victor Mizzy / Irv Taylor
8     Why Don't I Get Wise to Myself 2:42
Sid Bass / Ken Hecht
9     I'm Getting Nowhere With You 2:46
Wood / Adams
10     I Don't Stand a Ghost of a Chance With You 3:02
Bing Crosby / Ned Washington / Victor Young
11     Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone 2:51
Sidney Clare / Sam H. Stept
12     Big Jim Blues 2:56
Mary Lou Williams
13     Wham (Re-Bop-Boom-Bam!) 3:05
Eddie Durham / Taps Miller
14     Love Is the Thing 2:57
Ned Washington / Victor Young
15     Why Go on Pretending 2:57
Mary Lou Williams
16     It Always Will Be You 3:16
Hays / Copano / O'Day
17     Fine and Mellow 3:02
Billie Holiday     
18     Scratchin' in the Gravel 3:10
Mary Lou Williams / D. Wilson
19     Fifteen Minute Intermission 3:06
Buddy Cannon / Sunny Skylar
20     Take Those Blues Away 2:51
Jackson
21     Now I Lay Me Down to Dream 2:54
Eddie Howard, Jr. / Ted Fio Rito    
22     There Is No Greater Love 3:02
Isham Jones / Marty Symes
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Earl Miller (tracks: 1 to 16), Rudy Powell (tracks: 17 to 22)
Bass – Booker Collins
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone – John Harrington
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Edward Inge (tracks: 17 to 22)
Directed By – Andy Kirk
Drums – Ben Thigpen
Guitar, Electric Guitar – Floyd Smith
Piano – Mary Lou Williams
Tenor Saxophone – Dick Wilson, Don Byas (tracks: 1 to 16)
Trombone – Fred Robinson (tracks: 13 to 22), Henry Wells (tracks: 1 to 12), Ted Donnelly
Trumpet – Clarence Trice, Earl Thomson (tracks: 1 to 16), Harold Baker (tracks: 17 to 22), Harry Lawson
Vocals – June Richmond (tracks: 5, 11, 13, 16, 17, 19, 20), Pha Terrell (tracks: 1, 2, 6 to 10, 14, 15, 21, 22)

ANDY KIRK AND HIS CLOUDS OF JOY – 1940-1942 | The Classics Chronological Series – 681 (1993) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The Andy Kirk Orchestra was going through some major changes during the period covered by this CD. Tenor star Dick Wilson died prematurely; pop singer Pha Terrell had left; pianist and chief arranger Mary Lou Williams departed in early 1942 (Ken Kersey was her replacement on piano); and such interesting younger players as trumpeters Harold "Shorty" Baker and Howard McGhee and Al Sears on tenor gave the group a slightly different sound. Actually, the music on this CD (late-period swing) is consistently on a higher level than on most of the previous CDs in the Classics series. Highlights include "The Count," "Hey Lawdy Mama," "Boogie Woogie Cocktail" (featuring Kersey) and Howard McGhee's recording debut on the exciting "McGhee Special." Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Midnight Stroll 3:19
 Sammy Lowe
Vocals – June Richmond
2    Little Miss    3:12
 Ned Washington
3    The Count    3:09
 Tom Gordon
4    Twelfth Street Rag    2:55
 Euday L. Bowman
5    (Ev'rything Happened) When I Saw You 3:06
 Mueller Johnson
Vocals – Henry Wells
6    If I Feel This Way Tomorrow (Then It's Love) 2:59
Vocals – Henry Wells
7    Or Have I 2:50
 Sam H. Stept
Vocals – Henry Wells
8    Cuban Boogie Woogie 2:19
Lake / La Vere
Vocals – June Richmond
9    A Dream Dropped In 3:05
 Marty Symes
Vocals – Henry Wells
10    Is It A Sin (My Loving You?) 3:04
 Marcus Carcus
Vocals – Henry Wells
11    Ring Dem Bells    2:49
 Duke Ellington / Irving Mills
12    Big Time Crip 2:58
 Wells / Mary Lou Williams
Vocals – Orchestra
13    47th Street Jive 3:11
 Roosevelt Sykes
Vocals – June Richmond
14    I'm Misunderstood 3:20
Grouya
Vocals – Henry Wells
15    No Answer 2:47
Wood / Hoffman / Siegler
Vocals – Henry Wells
16    Hey Lawdy Mama (Meet Me In The Bottom) 2:56
Easton
Vocals – June Richmond
17    Boogie Woogie Cocktail 2:46
Arranged By – Kenny Kersey
18    Ride On, Ride On 2:25
Tolbert
Vocals – June Richmond
19    McGhee Special 2:58
Arranged By – Howard McGhee
20    Worried Life Blues (Someday Baby) 2:27
 Henry Nemo
Vocals – Floyd Smith
21    Take It And Git 3:13
Chapman / Chapman / Green / Marshall
Vocals – Orchestra
22    Hip Hip Hooray 2:58
Nemo / Ebbins
Vocals – June Richmond
23    Unlucky Blues 2:50
Feather / Feather
Vocals – June Richmond
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Ben Smith (tracks: 16 to 23), Earl Miller (tracks: 12 to 15)
Bass – Booker Collins
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Rudy Powell (tracks: 1 to 11)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone – John Harrington
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Dick Wilson (tracks: 1 to 15), Edward Inge
Directed By – Andy Kirk
Drums – Ben Thigpen
Guitar, Electric Guitar – Floyd Smith
Piano – Kenny Kersey (tracks: 16 to 23), Mary Lou Williams (tracks: 1 to 15)
Tenor Saxophone – Al Sears (tracks: 16 to 23)
Trombone – Henry Wells (tracks: 1 to 15), Milton Robinson (tracks: 16 to 23), Ted Donnelly
Trumpet – Clarence Trice (tracks: 1 to 15), Harold Baker (tracks: 1 to 15), Harry Lawson, Howard McGhee (tracks: 16 to 23), Johnny Burris (tracks: 16 to 23) 

MARY LOU WILLIAMS – 1927-1940 | The Classics Chronological Series – 630 (1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This CD features the great pianist Mary Lou Williams during her earliest period. She is heard in 1927 on six selections with The Synco Jazzers (a small group that included her then-husband John Williams on alto) and then on the first 19 selections ever recorded under her own name. Performed during the long period when she was the regular pianist with Andy Kirk's 12 Clouds of Joy, Williams is featured on two hot stride solos in 1930, leading trios in 1936 and 1938, playing "Little Joe from Chicago" unaccompanied in 1939 and heading septets in 1940; among her sidemen were trumpeter Harold "Shorty" Baker and the legendary tenor Dick Wilson. Many of the compositions were written by Williams including "Night Life," "New Froggy Bottom," "Mary's special," and "Scratchin' the Gravel;" her version of Jelly Roll Morton's "The Pearls" is a highpoint. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Jeanette's Synco Jazzers–    Midnight Stomp 2:42
Written-By – Williams
2    Jeanette's Synco Jazzers–    The Bumps 2:37
Written-By – Williams
3    John Williams' Synco Jazzers–    Down In Gallion 3:11
Written-By – Unknown
4    John Williams' Synco Jazzers–    Goose Grease 3:15
Written-By – Unknown
5    John Williams' Synco Jazzers–    Pee Wee Blues 3:27
Written-By – Unknown
6    John Williams' Synco Jazzers–    Now Cut Loose 2:47
Written-By – Unknown
7    Mary Lou Williams–    Night Life 2:56
Written-By – Williams
8    Mary Lou Williams–    Drag 'Em 2:52
Written-By – Williams
9    Mary Lou Williams–    Corny Rhythm 2:42
Written-By – Williams
10    Mary Lou Williams–    Overhand (New Froggy Bottom) 2:46
Written-By – Williams
11    Mary Lou Williams–    Isabelle 2:55
Written-By – Williams
12    Mary Lou Williams–    Swingin' For Joy 2:34
Written-By – Williams
13    Mary Lou Williams–    Clean Pickin' 2:48
Written-By – Williams
14    Mary Lou Williams–    Mary's Special 2:46
Written-By – Williams
15    Mary Lou Williams–    The Pearls 3:01
Written-By – Morton
16    Mary Lou Williams–    Mr. Freddie Blues 2:44
Written-By – Shayne
17    Mary Lou Williams–    Sweet (Patootie) Patunia 2:30
Written-By – Williams, Rogan, Alexander
18    Mary Lou Williams–    The Rocks 2:34
Written-By – Burley
19    Mary Lou Williams–    Little Joe From Chicago 2:33
Written-By – Wells, Williams
20    Six Men And A Girl–    Mary Lou Williams Blues 3:15
Written-By – Williams
21    Six Men And A Girl–    Tea For Two 2:48
Written-By – Caesar, Youmans
22    Six Men And A Girl–    Scratchin' The Gravel 3:11
Written-By – Williams
23    Six Men And A Girl–    Zonky 2:54
Written-By – Razaf, Waller
24    Mary Lou Williams And Her Kansas City Seven–    Baby Dear 2:47
Written-By – Moten, Hayes
25    Mary Lou Williams And Her Kansas City Seven–    Harmony Blues 2:47
Written-By – Moten
Credits :   
Alto Saxophone, Bass Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone – John Williams (tracks: 1 to 6)
Banjo – Joe Williams (tracks: 1 to 6)
Bass – Booker Collins (tracks: 9 to 18, 20 to 25)
Celesta – Mary Lou Williams (tracks: 14)
Clarinet – Edward Inge (tracks: 20 to 23)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Earl "Buddy" Miller (tracks: 20 to 23)
Drums – Ben Thigpen (tracks: 9 to 18, 20 to 25), Robert Price (tracks: 1 to 6)
Electric Guitar – Floyd Smith (tracks: 20 to 23)
Guitar [?] – Ted Robinson (tracks: 14)
Piano – Mary Lou Williams
Tenor Saxophone – Dick Wilson (tracks: 20 to 25)
Trombone – Bradley Bullett (tracks: 1 to 6), Ted Donnelly (tracks: 20 to 23)
Trumpet – Earl Thompson (tracks: 20 to 23), Harold Baker (tracks: 20 to 23), Henry McCord (tracks: 1 to 6)

MARY LOU WILLIAMS – 1944 | The Classics Chronological Series – 814 (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Recorded at a time when Mary Lou Williams was performing regularly at Café Society downtown and sitting in at Minton's uptown, these two dozen tracks represent the heart of her 1944 artistic output as documented by Moses Asch on the record label bearing his own name. The opening piano solos are exceptionally fine and the Chosen Five sides are exquisitely rendered using a front line of trumpeter Frankie Newton, trombonist Vic Dickenson, and clarinetist Edmond Hall. With Al Lucas and Jack Parker working alongside her, Mary Lou Williams presided over this little band in the creation of a beautiful ballad, two boogies, and "Satchel Mouth Baby," a novelty bounce with group vocal. One additional track from this session, involving only the rhythm section, was issued under the same heading as the Chosen Five. Three more piano solos -- a boogie, a slow drag, and a delicious treatment of "St. Louis Blues" -- were recorded in April of this fruitful year. A few weeks later, Williams accompanied vocalist Nora Lee King as she sang a domestic blues embellished with scat syllables. Four tracks recorded on June 5, 1944, were released by Mary Lou Williams & Her Orchestra. This was a slightly expanded, reconstituted septet now featuring tenor saxophonist Don Byas and trumpeter Dick Vance. The mood established by the Williams/Byas composition "Man o' Mine" exquisitely conveys the sense of a wartime society in transition so peculiar to the mid-'40s. This ethereal tide also flows into an oddly bifurcated version of "Stardust," its halves weirdly separated here by an upbeat swing stomp called "Gjon Mili Jam Session." The only rationale for reissuing the tracks in this order -- with "Pt. 2" placed first and "Gjon Mili" interrupting the mood before "Pt. 1" -- is that the effect is something like a film soundtrack laid over contrasting scenes, with maybe a reprise of the earlier theme bringing the "plot" full circle. In any case, the music is excellent. Williams waxed six sides with bassist Al Hall and trumpeter Bill Coleman in August of 1944, beginning with solid renditions of two of Irving Berlin's most enduring melodies, "Russian Lullaby" and "Blue Skies." Both "Persian Rug" and "Night and Day" are delightful and Coleman sings "You Know Baby," a plea in a minor key for "a kiss and a hug." This wonderful trio session wraps up most inventively with an experimental version of "I Found a New Baby." And the disc itself closes with two comparatively brassy V-Discs (with a much different sound quality than those rusty old Asch sides!) featuring trumpeter Charlie Shavers, trombonist Trummy Young, guitarist Remo Palmieri, bassist Hall, and shuffle/bop drummer Gordon "Specs" Powell. It is an exhilarating finish for this outstanding album of vintage jazz recordings by our lady of the fine piano and solid arrangements, Mary Lou Williams. arwulf arwulf  
Tracklist :
1    Mary Lou Williams–    Blue Skies 2:20
Written-By – Berlin
2    Mary Lou Williams–    Caravan 2:30
Written-By – Tizol
3    Mary Lou Williams–    Yesterdays 2:14
Written-By – Kern, Harbach
4    Mary Lou And Her Chosen Five–    Lullaby Of The Leaves 3:42
Written-By – Petkere
5    Mary Lou And Her Chosen Five–    Little Joe From Chicago 2:51
Written-By – Wells, Williams
6    Mary Lou And Her Chosen Five–    Roll 'Em 2:47
Written-By – Williams
7    Mary Lou And Her Chosen Five–    Satchel Mouth Baby 2:51
Written-By – Williams
8    Mary Lou Williams' Chosen Five–    Yesterday's Kisses 2:43
Written-By – Williams
9    Mary Lou Williams–    Mary's Boogie 2:33
Written-By – Williams
10    Mary Lou Williams–    Drag 'Em 3:45
Written-By – Williams
11    Mary Lou Williams–    St. Louis Blues 3:11
Written-By – Hnady
12    Nora Lee King–    Until My Baby Comes Back Home 2:49
Vocals – Nora Lee King
Written-By – Unknown Artist
13    Mary Lou Williams And Her Orchestra–    Man O' Mine 4:07
Written-By – Byas, Williams
14    Mary Lou Williams And Her Orchestra–    Stardust - Part 2 3:49
Written-By – Carmichael
15    Mary Lou Williams And Her Orchestra–    Gjon Mili Jam Session 3:13
Written-By – Williams
16    Mary Lou Williams And Her Orchestra–    Stardust - Part 1 3:23
Written-By – Carmichael
17    Mary Lou Williams Trio–    Russian Lullaby 2:49
Written-By – Berlin
18    Mary Lou Williams Trio–    Blue Skies 2:39
Written-By – Berlin
19    Mary Lou Williams Trio–    Persian Rug 2:37
Written-By – Moret
20    Mary Lou Williams Trio–    Night And Day 2:44
Written-By – Porter
21    Mary Lou Williams Trio–    You Know Baby 2:38
Written-By – Lewis, Williams
22    Mary Lou Williams Trio–    I Found A New Baby 2:56
Written-By – Palmer, Williams
23    Mary Lou Williams–    Roll 'Em 2:40
Written-By – Williams
24    Mary Lou Williams–    Gjon Mili Jam Session 2:53
Written-By – Williams
Credits :    
Bass – Al Hall (tracks: 17 to 24), Al Lucas (tracks: 4 to 8, 13 to 16)
Clarinet – Claude Greene (tracks: 13 to 16), Edmond Hall (tracks: 4 to 8)
Drums – Jack Parker (tracks: 4 to 7, 13 to 16), Gordon "Specs" Powell (tracks: 23, 24)
Guitar – Remo Palmieri (tracks: 23, 24)
Piano – Mary Lou Williams
Tenor Saxophone – Don Byas (tracks: 13 to 16)
Trombone – Trummy Young (tracks: 23 to 24), Vic Dickenson (tracks: 4 to 7, 13 to 16)
Trumpet – Charlie Shavers (tracks: 23, 24), Dick Vance (tracks: 13 to 16), Frankie Newton (tracks: 4 to 7)
Trumpet, Vocals – Bill Coleman (tracks: 17 to 22)

MARY LOU WILLIAMS – 1944-1945 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1021 (1998) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

One thing about chronologically arranged reissues -- you never know exactly what you're going to bump into. The third volume of the complete recordings of Mary Lou Williams, for example, opens with a pair of tunes sung by Josh White. It's good to hear the lyrics to Williams' cool, bluesy "Froggy Bottom," but "The Minute Man" is one of those obligatory, rhetorical patriotic numbers that cropped up everywhere during WWII and are relevant today only as historical curiosities. Most of the music reissued in this compilation originally appeared on scratchy 78-rpm records bearing the Asch label. Tenor sax archetype Coleman Hawkins is featured on the lush "Song in My Soul" and trumpeter Bill Coleman presides over a laid-back strolling blues with the worrisome title "Carcinoma." Clarinetist Claude Greene composed "This and That," a lively, bop-like romp that sounds a bit like "Epistrophy." As for "Oh, Lady Be Good," this septet's brisk and inventive set of variations based upon those Gershwin chord progressions would soon be rechristened "Rifftide" by Hawkins, who had a way of gobbling up harmonic advancements in jazz as soon as they appeared on the scene during the 1940s. With drummer Denzil Best driving the band, this is an exciting example of jazz in transition and should be studied by all who seek to better understand how the music evolved as quickly as it did in 1944. Speaking of modernity, in 1945 Mary Lou Williams composed and recorded "The Zodiac Suite," an astrologically inspired cycle of sketches for piano, bass, and drums. Each movement was dedicated to a specific set of musicians, including Ben Webster, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, Ellis Larkins, and Leonard Feather. There also exists a three-piano arrangement of the "Scorpio" movement that the composer had intended to perform with Bud Powell and Thelonious Monk. The music is at times wonderfully abstract and ethereal, regularly returning to the root system of blues and boogie as if to nourish itself with the lifeblood of tradition even as the composer pursued a course of harmonic exploration in ways that variously recall Ellington, Strayhorn, Satie, and Debussy. Incredibly, some critics and historians, like bored toddlers, have complained of a "lack of variety" in this work. This sort of ungracious mentality has also engendered shortsighted criticism of James P. Johnson's "Yamekraw." Williams expressed herself beautifully here, and listeners are advised to relax and proceed with patience and an open mind. This interesting album of rare treats closes with two piano solos that are cousins of "The Zodiac Suite," entitled "Stars" and "Moon," and "Timmie Time," a wonderful swinging bop study performed by an all-female quintet. In addition to Mary Lou Williams at the piano the ensemble was composed of guitarist Mary Osborne, vibraphonist Marjorie Hyams, upright bassist Bea Taylor, and smart shuffle drummer Bridget O'Flynn. arwulf arwulf  
Tracklist :
1    Mary Lou Williams And Her Orchestra–    The Minute Man    2:03
Vocals – Josh White
2    Mary Lou Williams And Her Orchestra–    Froggy Bottom     2:52
3    Mary Lou Williams And Her Orchestra–    Carcinoma     3:38
4    Mary Lou Williams And Her Orchestra–    Song Is My Soul     3:00
5    Mary Lou Williams And Her Orchestra–    This And That     2:38
6    Mary Lou Williams And Her Orchestra–    Lady Be Good     3:45
7    Mary Lou Williams Trio–    Taurus     2:32
8    Mary Lou Williams–    Pisces     2:30
9    Mary Lou Williams Trio–    Gemini     2:05
10    Mary Lou Williams–    Capricorn     2:52
11    Mary Lou Williams–    Sagittarius     1:48
12    Mary Lou Williams–    Aquarius    2:40
13    Mary Lou Williams–    Libra     2:08
14    Mary Lou Williams Trio–    Virgo     2:43
15    Mary Lou Williams Trio–    Aries     2:16
16    Mary Lou Williams Trio–    Scorpio     3:09
17    Mary Lou Williams Trio–    Cancer     2:35
18    Mary Lou Williams Trio–    Leo     1:42
19    Mary Lou Williams–    Stars     2:44
20    Mary Lou Williams–    Moon     2:24
21    Mary Lou Williams–    Timmie Time     2:48
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Joe Evans (tracks: 3 to 6)
Bass – Al Lucas (tracks: 7, 9, 14 to 18), Bea Taylor (tracks: 21), Eddie Robinson (tracks: 3 to 6), Jimmy Butts (tracks: 1, 2)
Clarinet – Claude Greene (tracks: 3 to 6)
Drums – Bridget O'Flynn (tracks: 21), Denzil Best (tracks: 3 to 6), Eddie Dougherty (tracks: 1, 2), Jack Parker (tracks: 7, 9, 14 to 18)
Guitar – Mary Osborne (tracks: 21)
Piano – Mary Lou Williams
Tenor Saxophone – Coleman Hawkins (tracks: 3 to 6)
Trumpet – Bill Coleman (tracks: 1 to 6)
Vibraphone – Marjorie Hyams (tracks: 21) 

MARY LOU WILLIAMS – 1945-1947 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1050 (1999) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Most of the musicians heard on this fourth installment in the Classics Mary Lou Williams chronology are women. During the second half of the 1940s, this was considered unusual and innovative. Female musicians, with the exception of carefully coiffed vocalists and the occasional pianist, were generally regarded by the public, by the entertainment industry, and by most male musicians as curious anomalies and were not taken very seriously. Mary Lou Williams always preferred to surround herself with musical minds possessing artistic acumen commensurate with her own highly developed musical intellect. The first four tracks were recorded for the Continental label in 1945 with guitarist Mary Osborne, bassist Bea Taylor, and percussionists Margie Hyams and Bridget O'Flynn, a fascinating duo who took turns either handling the vibraphone or the drums. This little group sounds perfectly up to date, pleasantly newfangled on "Rumba Rebop," a reference to that new style that in 1945 was already becoming known instead as bebop. "D.D.T." fairly bristles with angular modern changes. There is also a sweet vocal by Mary Osborne on "He's Funny That Way." Mary Lou Williams recorded six delightful piano solos for the Disc label on February 16, 1946. Taken in sequential order, they form a sort of self-portrait containing most every aspect of this artist's musical identity: her background as an indispensable component in Kansas City's thriving jazz scene; her genius as arranger for Andy Kirk, Louis Armstrong, Earl Hines, Benny Goodman, and Duke Ellington; her vital participation in the emergence of early modern jazz -- all of this is reflected in her personal piano reveries. Nine titles recorded for Victor during the summer and autumn of 1946 constitute bop-inflected chamber jazz of the highest order. Included here are three fascinating experiments on boogie themes, a structure based on a theme by Dvorák, several original inventions, and another sentimental vocal from Mary Osborne. In 1947, ten males known as the Milton Orent-Frank Roth Orchestra recorded two very boppish sides for the Disc label under the direction of Williams, a big-band arrangement of her "Lonely Moments" and the catchy "Whistle Blues." Another session for Disc featured trumpeter Kenny Dorham, bassist Grachan Moncur II, and guitarist John H. Smith, Jr. On "Mary Lou," the men sing in unison: "Mary Lou -- we love you -- we thank you." The flip side, a harmonically advanced study entitled "Kool," is an example of Williams composing in a marvelously eccentric bop style worthy of Thelonious Monk. What a treat to hear Kenny Dorham in an intimate small-group setting at this stage of his career. This fascinating compilation closes with two sides recorded by an all-female quartet for the Mercury label late in 1947 but left unissued for some reason until many years later. Here, then, is an excellent survey of Mary Lou Williams' innovative musical accomplishments in the years immediately following the Second World War. arwulf arwulf
Tracklist :
1    Mary Lou Williams Girl Stars–    Rumba Rebop 2:49
Written By – Wilson
2    Mary Lou Williams Girl Stars–    Blues At Mary Lou's 2:49
Written-By – Feather
3    Mary Lou Williams Girl Stars–    D.D.T. 2:48
Written-By – Feather
4    Mary Lou Williams Girl Stars–    (She's) He's Funny That Way 2:49
Vocals – Mary Osborne
Written-By – Moret, Whiting
5    Mary Lou Williams–    How High The Moon 2:09
Written-By – Lewis
6    Mary Lou Williams–    The Man I Love 2:20
Written-By – Gershwin
7    Mary Lou Williams–    Cloudy / What's Your Story Morning Glory    2:15
8    Mary Lou Williams–    Blue Skies
Written-By – Berlin
9    Mary Lou Williams–    These Foolish Things Remind Me Of You 2:19
Written-By – Strackey
10    Mary Lou Williams–    Lonely Moments    2:26
11    Mary Lou Williams Girl Stars–    Fifth Dimension    2:49
12    Mary Lou Williams Girl Stars–    Harmony Grits    3:09
13    Mary Lou Williams Girl Stars–    It Must Be True 3:03
Vocals – Mary Osborne
Written-By – Clifford, Arnheim, Barris
14    Mary Lou Williams Girl Stars–    Boogie Misterioso    2:45
15    Mary Lou Williams Girl Stars–    Conversation (Jump Caprice) 2:47
Written-By – Feather
16    Mary Lou Williams Trio–    Humoresque 2:38
Written-By – Dvorak
17    Mary Lou Williams Trio–    Waltz Boogie    2:35
18    Mary Lou Williams Trio–    All God's Children Got Rhythm 2:42
Written-By – Kaper, Kahn, Jurmann
19    Mary Lou Williams Trio–    Hesitation Boogie    2:41
20    Milton Orent-Frank Roth Orchestra–    Lonely Moments    2:53
21    Milton Orent-Frank Roth Orchestra–    Whistle Blues    2:54
22    Mary Lou Williams–    Mary Lou 2:15
Written-By – Lyman, Wagner, Robinson
23    Mary Lou Williams–    Kool    2:41
24    Mary Lou Williams–    Just An Idea    3:05
25    Mary Lou Williams–    Just You, Just Me 3:04
Written-By – Greer, Klages
Credits :    
Bass – Bea Taylor (tracks: 1 to 4), Grachan Moncur (tracks: 22, 23), June Rotenberg (tracks: 11 to 19, 24, 25), Milton Orent (tracks: 20, 21)
Conductor – Mary Lou Williams (tracks: 20, 21)
Drums – Bridget O'Flynn (tracks: 3, 4, 16 to 19, 24, 25), Jack Parker (tracks: 20, 21), Margie Hyams (tracks: 1, 2), Rose Gottesman (tracks: 11 to 15)
Guitar – John H. Smith, Jr. (tracks: 22, 23), Mary Osborne (tracks: 1 to 4, 11 to 15, 24, 25)
Piano – Frank Roth (tracks: 20, 21), Mary Lou Williams (tracks: 1 to 19, 22 to 24)
Saxophone – Allan Feldman (tracks: 20, 21), Martin Glaser (2) (tracks: 20, 21), Maurice Lopez (tracks: 20, 21), Orlando "Musa Kalee" Wright (tracks: 20, 21)
Trumpet – Edward Sadowski (tracks: 20, 21), Irving Kusting (tracks: 20, 21), Kenny Dorham (tracks: 22, 23), Leon Schwartz (tracks: 20, 21)
Written-By – Williams (tracks: 7, 10 to 12, 14, 17, 19 to 21, 23, 24)

MARY LOU WILLIAMS – 1949-1951 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1260 (2002) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Always in sync with progressive developments in jazz music, pianist, composer, arranger, and bandleader Mary Lou Williams turns out to have made more records during the 1940s and '50s than most people ever realized. Thanks to the Classics Chronological Series, listeners are now able to follow her career session by session throughout these eventful and transitional years. The fifth installment of her complete recorded works in chronological order opens with a fascinating pair of angular studies in chamber bop. Recorded for the King label on March 18, 1949, these tracks feature the most dramatically modern-sounding band that Mary Lou Williams had ever assembled. With a front line of trumpeter Idrees Sulieman, Alan Feldman on clarinet and alto sax, and pre-Eric Dolphy bass clarinetist Martin Glaser backed by Williams, guitarist Mundell Lowe, bassist George Duvivier, and drummer Denzil de Costa Best, "Tisherome" and "Knowledge" are bracing examples of a bop logic that is strikingly adventuresome. The flip sides are topical bop scat novelties featuring vocalist Kenny "Pancho" Hagood. On January 3, 1950, the rhythm section met again to wax four more sides for King. Here the material consisted of jazz standards with Williams at times playing organ or piano or both instruments simultaneously -- during "Bye Bye Blues" she operates the organ with her left hand, piano with her right. On March 7, 1951, the Mary Lou Williams Trio cut ten sides for the Atlantic record company for release on the new LP format. This session turned out to be decidedly cool and nonchalant -- even old "Pagliacci" becomes irresistibly hip. This excellent survey of vintage early modern jazz concludes with five sides cut for the Circle label in June of 1951. The first of these, a carefully devised bop love song sung by the Dave Lambert Singers, features Elbert "Skippy" Williams on bass clarinet. The remaining tracks, recorded four days later, are delightfully cool studies for Billy Taylor's string bass, Willie "Bobo" Correa's conga drums, and the creatively inspired piano of Mary Lou Williams. arwulf arwulf
Tracklist :
1    Mary Lou Williams With Orchestra–    Tisherome    2:49
2    Mary Lou Williams With Orchestra–    Knowledge    2:26
3    Mary Lou Williams With Orchestra–    Oo-Bla-Dee    2:44
Vocals – Kenny Hagood
4    Mary Lou Williams With Orchestra–    Shorty Boo    2:53
Vocals – Kenny Hagood
5    Mary Lou Williams–    Bye Bye Blues    2:48
6    Mary Lou Williams–    Moonglow    2:29
7    Mary Lou Williams–    Willow Weep For Me    2:56
8    Mary Lou Williams–    I'm In The Mood For Love    2:33
9    Mary Lou Williams Trio–    Opus Z    2:54
10    Mary Lou Williams Trio–    The Surrey With The Fringe On Top    2:28
11    Mary Lou Williams Trio–    My First Date With You    3:12
12    Mary Lou Williams Trio–    Pagliacci    2:44
13    Mary Lou Williams Trio–    'S Wonderful    2:51
14    Mary Lou Williams Trio–    From This Moment On    3:39
15    Mary Lou Williams Trio–    You're The Cream In My Coffee    2:52
16    Mary Lou Williams Trio–    Mary's Waltz    3:25
17    Mary Lou Williams Trio–    Would I Love You    3:04
18    Mary Lou Williams Trio–    In The Purple Grotto    3:04
19    Mary Lou Williams–    Walking 2:37
Vocals – Dave Lambert Singers
20    Mary Lou Williams And Her Modern Music–    The Sheik Of Araby    2:45
21    Mary Lou Williams–    When Dreams Come True    2:51
22    Mary Lou Williams–    Bobo    2:50
23    Mary Lou Williams–    Kool    2:24
Credits :    
Bass – Billy Taylor Sr. (tracks: 19 to 23), Carl Pruitt (tracks: 9 to 18), George Duvivier (tracks: 1 to 8)
Bass Clarinet – Elbert "Skippy" Williams (tracks: 19), Martin Glaser (tracks: 1 to 4)
Bongos – Willie "Bobo" Correa (tracks: 20 to 23)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Allan Feldman (tracks: 1 to 4)
Drums – Al Walker (tracks: 19), Bill Clark (tracks: 9 to 18), Denzil Best (tracks: 1 to 8)
Guitar – Mundell Lowe (tracks: 1 to 8)
Organ – Mary Lou Williams (tracks: 5, 6)
Piano – Mary Lou Williams (tracks: 1 to 4, 7 to 23)
Trumpet – Idrees Sulieman (tracks: 1 to 4)

MARY LOU WILLIAMS – 1951-1953 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1346 (2004) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

While the Asch recordings of Mary Lou Williams, recorded during the mid-'40s, are wrapped in a veil of pleasant 78-rpm surface noise, her Circle recordings of 1951 are presented here as direct transfers from early 33-and-one-third-rpm platters. This creates a different listening experience, for while sustained 78-rpm "scratchiness" acts as a constant texture through which the music may usually be heard, the inconsistent wandering hiss of the primitive acetate "long-playing" record creates at times a slightly distracting rhythmic pattern that is most noticeable on the slower numbers. This is emphasized by the otherwise "clean" sound of the recording. With Willie Guerra's bongos and Billy Taylor's upright bass backing the leader's excellent piano, the intrusive little hisses sound at times as though someone might be carelessly handling a shekere, or possibly teasing a pet snake. All phonographic pickiness aside, the music heard on the opening session is exquisite, particularly "Handy Eyes," a grooved-up rendition of W.C. Handy's "St. Louis Blues." Two further Circle sides from 1952 feature the pianist supported by an unidentified bassist and drummer. After a marvelous passage through Ellington and Tizol's "Caravan," the men open "Yes, We Have No Bananas" by shouting the title in a bizarre and surprising manner. On July 11, 1952, Mary Lou Williams performed in front of a loudly appreciative audience with a band including her second ex-husband, trumpeter Harold "Shorty" Baker, trombonist Vic Dickenson, and tenor saxophonist Morris Lane. The ten-minute "Down Beat" is a warm, swinging jam during which the players are able to stretch out and cook nicely. A lovely take on "Out of Nowhere" leads into eight and a half smoky minutes of "C Jam Blues." The remaining 12 tracks were recorded during Mary Lou Williams' visit to England during the first half of 1953. Backed by guitar, bass, and either the regular drum kit or bongos, she delivers her customary blend of original compositions, jazz standards, classic ragtime, and contemporary tropes from innovators such as Tadd Dameron and Thelonious Monk. arwulf arwulf
Tracklist :
1    Mary Lou Williams Trio–    Lover, Come Back To Me    3:30
2    Mary Lou Williams Trio–    S'Posin'    3:16
3    Mary Lou Williams Trio–    Handy Eyes    3:20
4    Mary Lou Williams Trio–    Tisherome    4:03
5    Mary Lou Williams And Her Modern Music*–    Caravan    2:35
6    Mary Lou Williams And Her Modern Music*–    Yes, We Have No Bananas    2:08
7    Mary Lou Williams And Her Orchestra–    Down Beat    9:57
8    Mary Lou Williams And Her Orchestra–    Out Of Nowhere    4:06
9    Mary Lou Williams And Her Orchestra–    C Jam Blues    8:25
10    Mary Lou Williams Trio–    Titoros    2:55
11    Mary Lou Williams Trio–    Lady Bird    3:00
12    Mary Lou Williams Trio–    Don't Blame Me    3:24
13    Mary Lou Williams Trio–    They Can't Take That Away From Me    2:39
14    Mary Lou Williams Trio–    Koolbongo    2:52
15    Mary Lou Williams Trio–    Perdido    2:33
16    Mary Lou Williams Trio–    For You    2:54
17    Mary Lou Williams Trio–    Round About Midnight    4:05
18    Mary Lou Williams And Her Rhythm–    Laughing Rag    1:49
19    Mary Lou Williams And Her Rhythm–    Rag Of Rags    1:51
20    Mary Lou Williams Quartet–    Melody Maker    2:30
21    Mary Lou Williams Quartet–    Musical Express    2:16
Credits :    
Bass – Billy Taylor Sr. (tracks: 1 to 4), Eddie Safranski (tracks: 7 to 9), Jack Fallon (tracks: 18, 19), Ken Napper (tracks: 10 to 17), Rupert Nurse (tracks: 20, 21), Unknown Artist (tracks: 5, 6)
Bongos – Tony Scott (tracks: 10 to 17), Willie Guerra (tracks: 1 to 4)
Drums – Don Lamond (tracks: 7 to 9), Gerry McLaughlin (tracks: 18, 19), Tony Kinsey (tracks: 20, 21), Unknown Artist (tracks: 5, 6)
Guitar – Allan Ganley (tracks: 10 to 17), Nevell John (tracks: 7 to 9), Ray Dempsey (tracks: 20, 21)
Piano – Mary Lou Williams
Tenor Saxophone – Morris Lane (tracks: 7 to 9)
Trombone – Vic Dickenson (tracks: 7 to 9)
Trumpet – Harold Baker (tracks: 7 to 9)